master cleanse ~ day five

pipes on the side of a building in Seattle, canon digital rebel xt

This morning and afternoon I felt fantastic. I had made about 72oz of the lemon drink and poured it into a jug to take with me on some errands. I was surprised at the energy that seemed to whiz through me. I was singing in my car, smiling and even said out loud to myself how happy I was with my marriage, my photography, my family and friends. Yes...I laughed as I caught myself doing this.

I've been afraid to exercise while on this cleanse. I wasn't sure if it would leave me wiped out or starving or both...so for the past four days I had refrained. Until today. I thought I had so much energy that surely I could give it a go. So I went to my YMCA Mind & Body center and did the eliptical for 20 minutes and then did 20 minutes of weights. I didn't want to over do it, so I shaved 20 minutes off of my usual 60 minute work out.

Oh
My
Gawd.

I am not sure how anyone exercises on this cleanse or perhaps it was too early in the 10 days for me to do so but as I write this I am feeling so ill. On the drive home from my workout I totally crashed mentally and physically. My stomach feels eternally empty, nauseous and I am completely weak. Nothing seems to be helping. Not the lemon drink or peppermint tea. I even sucked on the pulp of a grapefruit. Not sure what is going on. Did my workout trigger a huge toxin release? Am I not supposed to work out on this diet? The master cleanse pamphlet says to go about your daily routines as usual (meaning if you typically work out, do it) but I haven't found the energy to do this to the fullest.

I've been battling feelings of being a failure and that I am weaker than others on this cleanse. Battling feelings of wanting to take a shower and curl up with a bowl of soup. But I won't. I am committed and this is a test for me and my will power. If I gave up now, I would deeply regret it. I've had a habit of not finishing some things in my life and I want to break that pattern here and now.

I looked at this picture I took in Seattle today and it cheered me up. It reminded me that I am cleansing my "pipes" and just as this beautiful flora is growing through the top of them, I will grow in so many ways.

My sweet friend Pixie said to me yesterday "i love that you have the cajones to do this-childbirth will be a cinch for you". I don't think she realizes how much this is keeping me focused. Even if she was kidding. ; )

Must go on...